The first lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows was organized in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, April 26, 1819, by Thomas Wildey and four associates, all of whom were foreign born and all had been members of the Manchester Unity of Old Fellows in England. This first lodge was named Washington Lodge No. 1 and it is still in existence. From this humble beginning the order has grown and prospered until it now has more than 16,000 lodges with a combined membership of nearly two million.

Lowell Lodge No. 115, I.O.O.F., was instituted on Feb. 15, 1893, with six charter members—Charles McCarty, J.W. Broadbent, J.C. Ball, W. F. Adams, James Nicklin and A.O. Heydlauff. The first officers of the lodge were as follows: Noble Grand, A. O. Heydlauff; vice grand, J. C. Ball; recording secretary, J.W. Broadbent; permanent secretary, Charles McCarty; treasurer, James Nicklin. The present officers are: Noble Grand, John I. Wright; vice grand, Dale Hazel; secretary, Sam J. Meyers; treasurer, Charles Gunn. Membership 140.